Want to increase your living space with a bungalow extension? From the options available to choosing the right solution for your needs and space, read on to learn more about extending a bungalow.
Can you put an extension on a bungalow?
Yes, it is possible to add an extension to your bungalow. What type of extension you can build largely depends on where your bungalow is, the size of the plot and how close you are to your neighbours.
If you have a big enough plot, you can extend to the back or side of your bungalow. Other ideas include extending up into the loft and even converting your bungalow into a two-storey house. Let’s dig into these options in more detail.
Why choose a conservatory for your bungalow?
Conservatories offer the perfect blend of style, practicality and value, whether you’re looking for a quiet space, a larger dining area or a versatile lounge.
With less disruption and faster completion times, they also flood your home with natural light, ideal for enhancing single-storey living. Whether you want a tranquil sunroom, a bright dining space or a versatile lounge, a conservatory can be customised to your lifestyle and home’s needs.
Bungalow extension ideas for your home
1. Create a light-filled garden room with a rear extension
With its large windows, glazed roofs and a seamless flow to your garden, your glazed extension can help you better connect with the outside when enjoying a morning coffee or entertaining loved ones in the evening.
Combine with a rear-facing conservatory and bi-fold or French doors to open up onto the patio or deck, creating an airy feel.
Mr. Peter Maddocks wanted to create a light-filled space in his newly refurbished bungalow that blended seamlessly with the existing design.
2. Cook and connect with an open-plan kitchen-diner
If you’ve got a wide enough plot, a side extension is a good way of increasing your living space.
They are great for maximising an often underused area, usually without compromising your back garden to add more space for a kitchen-diner or extra bedroom without losing your garden.
3. Have a hobbyist’s dream space
Transform your bungalow with a conservatory at the rear of your home or a dormer loft conversion into a creative space, studio or home office. Both provide lots of natural light and minimal distractions, ideal for a creative flow.
A dormer is when you add a box-shaped structure (usually with a window) to a pitched roof, creating walls that sit 90 degrees to the floor, adding head height and natural light, without drastically altering your home’s footprint.
4. Design extra bedroom space for guests or loved ones
This is the most expensive option, but second-storey extensions can greatly increase your living space, especially if you’re in need of more bedrooms.
Adding a double-storey extension requires a sizable plot, and you’ll need to seek planning permission. As well as your budget, you’ll also need to consider any structural factors that might impact your extension. Speak to an architect or structural engineer for more advice.
5. Blend your indoor and outdoor dining areas
Adding a rear conservatory with bi-fold doors, you can connect your kitchen and garden. Perfect for BBQs or al fresco dining and even cosy winter dinners under fairy lights.
Alternatively, you can add a light and airy extension to your bungalow with a bungalow conservatory. With all your living space already at ground level, a conservatory can offer a multi-purpose, versatile extra room at a fraction of the cost of a full extension.
Plus, you can choose a style that’s in keeping with the look and feel of your bungalow.
Mrs Wachon’s Hipped-Back Edwardian conservatory is an excellent addition to her bungalow, giving her plenty of space to dine, socialise and relax.
6. Design a multifunctional family space that works for you
Families can grow and change, and what you need from your bungalow can also differ.
Design an extension or conservatory that works for you, from a kids’ playroom by day to a movie lounge at night, through smart furniture solutions and modular furniture to adapt your space.
7. Add style to your home with an orangery
If you’re looking for a luxurious way to extend your home, an orangery is a perfect addition.
Whether you need more dining space or a place to host, upgrade your home with a light-filled living space, an orangery adds both value and comfort.
To learn more about our orangeries, including price and style options, visit here.
8. Refigure your layout with a utility or boot room
Keep your main living areas free from clutter by adding a front or side extension, creating extra space that can be used for a utility or boot room, or even extra entrance space.
Perfect for storing shoes, coats and even laundry appliances, it helps you maintain an organised home, especially useful if you’ve got pets, kids or like to spend time going for hikes.
9. Turn your garage into a game room with a conservatory
If you have an underused garage, extending it out can create extra living space or a garden room that can be enjoyed by the entire family
This works well for maximising existing structures and creating a games room, a separate annexe or a quiet space for an office.
Mr Moore’s new lean-to conservatory provided him the games room he always dreamed of having, utilising his underused single garage.
10. Create a paradise for your pets
If you have a four-legged friend, designing a space that allows them easy access to outdoor space is easy with an extension.
Maximise the room with easy-clean flooring, pet beds and shaded spots for those warmer days. A conservatory with direct garden access lets your pets enjoy the sun while staying safe indoors.
Plus, you can enjoy it with them too.
Can a conservatory be used as a bedroom?
To use a conservatory as a bedroom, it needs to meet specific building regulations around heating, insulation and ventilation. This is to ensure it can be comfortable year-round and suitable for sleeping.
You may need to upgrade the glazing or roof to maintain a consistent temperature, such as our Blue Self-Cleaning, Solar Control Glass which provides consistent temperatures throughout the year.
Traditional bungalow extension or conservatory extension?
Whether you choose a full bungalow extension or a conservatory is likely to come down to the following factors:
- Your budget
- How much space you have – both your plot size and roof height
- How restricted you are in terms of structural options
- How quickly you want to add the new space
- What planning permission you can (or want) to seek approval for
- Your appetite (or not) for a large renovation project
Ultimately, if you want a relatively hassle-free, cost-effective extension that can be built quickly and easily, a conservatory for your bungalow might be the solution.
How much will a bungalow conservatory extension cost?
The cost of your bungalow conservatory extension will depend on the size and style you choose.
Our quote engine is easy to use and can give you an estimate for your conservatory project in a matter of minutes.
5 tips for your bungalow conservatory extension
Want to get your extension right? Read on for our top tips and conservatory ideas for bungalows.
1. Choose a style that closely matches your bungalow
There are a variety of different options when it comes to the design and look of your conservatory. Pick features that’ll help it blend in with the rest of your bungalow for an instant homely feel – from ceiling style and brick choice to uPVC colour and door finishes.
2. Think about how much natural light you’ll get
Conservatories are well-known for their ability to bring in lots of natural light. But if you want to use your new space all day and throughout the year, think about what glazing options will be best in terms of temperature regulation, ventilation and privacy. Alternatively, if you’re building your conservatory in a shady spot, consider how much light it’ll get and choose your style accordingly.
3. Consider your conservatory roof height
Going higher than your pitched bungalow roof might feel like it will pull in more light, but it’ll potentially look out of place. Ideally, you want your conservatory roofline to sit alongside the existing building as much as possible. If you’re adding a conservatory to the gable end of your bungalow (if you have one), your roofline can join this wall, and you’ll have more flexibility on the roof height of your new build.
4. Get creative with your conservatory shape
Because bungalows tend to have relatively large plots, you’ll probably have a variety of options when it comes to the shape of your build. P-shaped or L-shaped conservatories can greatly maximise forgotten space and make the most of your available land.
5. Be realistic about how much space you need
While it can be tempting to go for a large conservatory when you’ve got a sizeable plot, it’s worth thinking carefully about what you want to use your space for before committing to a larger conservatory than you need.
FAQs
Do you need planning permission for an extension on a bungalow?
Whether or not you’ll need planning permission for your bungalow extension will depend on to what extent you build within the permitted development rights. As a general rule of thumb, the larger the project, the more likely you will need planning permission. Speak to an architect or your local planning authority to find out more.
You’ll unlikely need planning permission for a bungalow conservatory extension if you meet certain criteria – read our guide to conservatory planning permission to find out more.
How much value does an extension add to a bungalow?
This will depend on where you live, your bungalow and the type of extension you choose. According to some property experts, adding a conservatory can increase the value of your home by approximately 7%.
Find out more about adding value to your bungalow.
How long does a bungalow extension take?
This depends on many factors, including your budget, who is doing the build and the type of extension you’re adding.
A conservatory extension will likely take between three and nine days to install if you do it yourself through ConservatoryLand – thanks to our unique ConservaBase system.
Not a DIY fan? Choose one of our ConservaBase system conservatories, then use a professional from our network of approved installers to take things from there.
Create your dream bungalow extension with ConservatoryLand
If you’re looking to bring your bungalow conservatory extension to life, we’re here to help.
Our friendly team can help you make informed decisions and find the right conservatory for your home and needs.
Get started today and use our hassle-free quote engine that allows you to easily design and customise your perfect conservatory.
Alternatively, download a free brochure to browse our range of conservatory styles, glazing and customisation options.
